Ocean County Leader

The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) is seeking public input on the future of transportation as part of its long-range plan, Connecting Communities. This initiative aims to shape transportation policies and investments for the next 25 years in Ocean County and other regions under NJTPA's jurisdiction.

John P. Kelly, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners and Chair of the NJTPA Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of community feedback: "Connecting Communities will help us set a vision for the future of our region's transportation network and prioritize regionally significant projects," he said. "It's important that residents from the region, including our residents here in Ocean County, share their thoughts and ideas with us, so that this plan meets the needs of the communities we serve."

Ocean County features over 618 miles of county roads and more than 250 bridges and culverts. The NJTPA has already approved funding for several projects in this area, such as a study in Lakewood to address congestion on Kennedy Boulevard and County Line Road. Additionally, it funded a study recommending a bridge replacement over Barnegat Bay in Toms River Township.

Public participation is crucial to this planning process. Feedback collected through an online survey available in six languages—English, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, Chinese, and Korean—and various events will be incorporated into the final plan. The NJTPA Board expects to adopt this plan in September.

The survey launched today alongside virtual public outreach efforts scheduled to begin later this month. A Let's Talk Transportation event focusing on safe biking and walking networks is planned for January 28 at 11:30 a.m.

NJTPA serves as the metropolitan planning organization for 13 counties in northern New Jersey. It facilitates collaboration among local officials, public transport providers, and state agencies to meet current and future transportation needs while securing federal funds for these projects.

The NJTPA Board comprises elected officials from each county within its jurisdiction—Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, Warren—and representatives from Newark and Jersey City. Other members include a Governor's Representative; officials from New Jersey Department of Transportation; NJ Transit; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; along with a Citizen's Representative appointed by the Governor.

To participate or learn more about upcoming events related to Connecting Communities visit www.njtpa.org/connecting.